A person can see hundreds of islands extending from Ontario and Kingston region where the St. Lawrence River extends to nearly forty miles downstream. The Thousand Islands were said to have formed some ten thousand years ago, when a river was actually forced to change its course carving a new channel where the water encompassed the granite mounds of area which was left by a glacier that was retreating. People of the ancient times called them as “the garden of the great spirit”, but it was the French explorers who named it as the Thousand Islands. Most of the Thousand Islands are owned by private people. Thousand Islands are said to be strictly a summertime destination as the temperatures drop down below zero levels during the winter. The hotels and restaurants are open till mid of October only and after that, all of them close their doors to the extent that a village near the Canadian side has a population of only three persons during the winter season.

Boating and fishing are said to be major activities in the Thousand Islands and are considered as the best. Fishing provides the vacationers with the best fishing experience that they can even catch a salmon in a record size and muskies waiting to be caught by the vacationers. Motor boats and sail boats are the most preferred modes of transportation, over the cars. Some of the Thousand Islands are preserved in their original natural form as parks and others are owned privately. The price of the Islands depends on the population of the Island.

The sparkling waters that are crystal clear, bright sun, warm breezes and fresh air make the Thousand Islands an ideal getaway for the vacationers from their hectic schedules. Major attractions include visiting castles and exploring the Thousand Islands by boat either on their own or by renting or taking a guided tour by boat. The vacationers can also choose to take a nap or read a book according to their desire as anything done on the Thousand Islands provides pleasure to the vacationers. They are also not void of any entertainment and amusements as one can find drive in movie theatres during the night, miniature golf grounds, go-karting, white water rafting and many more. The St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario region of the Thousand Islands offer the best fishing and cruising of the world. The beauty is really breathtaking due to the continuous islands and ports.

There are nearly hundreds of events and celebrations that go on every year that a vacationer might find it very hard to choose from them. Some of the major water events include boat races, shows and fishing tournaments. The nature events mainly focus on the wilderness and the environment of the Thousand Islands. The musical festivals are normally hosted during summer season by many communities and the ethnic events are great for the family. Community festivals during July, August and June and patriotic celebrations including the American independence and Canada Day are honored with parades, concerts and fireworks throughout the region. New Year celebrations are wonderful and held in Kingston and Watertown.